Imagine cutting into a salmon fillet so tender and flavorful that it melts in your mouth, leaving you craving more with every bite. This Pioneer Woman salmon recipe is about to transform your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary, promising restaurant-quality results in just 25 minutes. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or a novice cook looking to impress, this foolproof method will have you serving up restaurant-worthy salmon that will make your family and guests wonder if a professional chef secretly invaded your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Olive oil
- Lemon
- Fresh dill
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: salmon fillets, olive oil, a fresh lemon, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Ensure your salmon fillets are thawed if they were previously frozen.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking the salmon evenly while keeping it moist.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the salmon fillets. Place them skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with olive oil.
- Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the salmon fillets, ensuring they are well coated. This will help keep the fish moist during cooking.
- Next, season the fillets with salt and pepper to taste. Be generous but balanced, as salmon can handle a good amount of seasoning.
- Slice the lemon in half. Squeeze the juice of one half over the fillets, allowing the citrus flavor to enhance the salmon. Reserve the other half for garnishing later.
- Chop a handful of fresh dill and sprinkle it evenly over the salmon fillets. The dill will add a fresh and aromatic flavor that complements the fish beautifully.
- Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, place the baking sheet with the salmon in the oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- While the salmon is baking, prepare any side dishes you desire. Steamed vegetables or a fresh salad pair wonderfully with this dish.
- When the salmon is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the fish moist.
- To serve, plate the salmon fillets and garnish with the remaining lemon half and additional fresh dill if desired. Enjoy your Perfect Salmon Pioneer Woman recipe!
Tips
- Choose high-quality, fresh salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure crisp edges and better oil absorption.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness - salmon is perfectly cooked at 145°F internal temperature.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet; give each fillet enough space for even cooking.
- Fresh dill makes a significant difference - if possible, use fresh herbs instead of dried.
- Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to retain maximum moisture.
- For extra flavor, try adding garlic, herbs, or a light marinade before baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 236kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 62mg
